David Toscano – Page 24

Let’s Set the Record Straight

May 23, 2017 by David Toscano

I have had the pleasure and honor of representing this community in local and state government for more than 20 years. During this time, I have learned a lot about what it means to listen and what it means to lead. I have fully supported and fought for the values that our region feels are important — equality, justice, fairness, opportunity, honesty. They have found form in initiatives as diverse as advocating for an increase in the minimum wage to supporting the transition to an energy economy based on renewable resources.

I have successfully fought for increases in education spending and raises for teachers, law enforcement, and public employees. I have been part of the brick wall protecting women’s reproductive rights. I have fought again and again for Medicaid expansion. As the Democratic Leader, I have been there every day, fighting for the progressive values we cherish. I am running for reelection and I need your help. [Read more…]

Toscano Applauds Governor’s Initiative to Reduce Carbon Emissions

May 16, 2017 by David Toscano

When Washington Defaults, States Really Do Matter

David J. Toscano, delegate from the 57th District (Charlottesville / Albemarle) and the Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today issued the following statement:

“Our Governor clearly recognizes the threat to Virginia imposed by climate change and greenhouse gas emissions, and is attempting to do all that he can within his authority to protect the quality of life and economic wellbeing of Virginians in the face of this challenge,” said Toscano. “As President Trump undermines the EPA, protective action will increasingly occur in the states, and Virginia should be a leader.”

Toscano recently sought and obtained an opinion by the Attorney General of Virginia, Mark R. Herring, that stated the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board has the ability, under state law, to regulate carbon pollution and to place a “statewide cap” on greenhouse gas emissions from new and existing fossil fuel electric generating units.

“It is clear that Donald Trump will take us backward on climate protection, and the only chance we have to make our future better is through state initiatives. I applaud the Governor on his courage to take on a difficult issue and manage it for the public good.”

Virginia Attorney General Opinion Issued
Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board Can Cap Greenhouse Gas Emissions

May 12, 2017 by David Toscano

Response to Democratic Leader Toscano’s Request Confirms Legal Authority

David J. Toscano (D-57), Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today issued the following statement:

In March, when a climate change denier was confirmed as the head of the US EPA, I wrote to Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring for an official opinion about existing state law or authority to address carbon pollution and emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). My request particularly highlighted the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board.

Today, the Attorney General issued a very significant opinion, concluding that the Air Pollution Control Board ‘is legally authorized to regulate GHG emissions, including establishing a statewide cap on GHG emissions for all new and existing fossil fuel electric generating plants.’ This is a huge development in the fight to mitigate further climate change, which the Trump administration in Washington has pushed off to the states.”

The Attorney General’s Opinion, Number 17-010, is available here.

“Trumpcare” Passes; Consumers and Virginia Will Take the Hit

May 8, 2017 by David Toscano

The chart below tells you everything you need to know about the House Republican bill (AHCA) to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA). “They took $800 billion for health care from the poorest among us,” said Joe Scarborough on Morning Joe, “and they gave $600 billion in tax cuts for the wealthiest among us.” That’s what this healthcare bill is. [Read more…]

Toscano Issues Statement on ACA Repeal

May 4, 2017 by David Toscano

Virginia House of Delegates Democratic Leader Reacts to ACA Repeal

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (May 4, 2017 4:45 PM) – David J. Toscano (D-57), Democratic Leader of the Virginia House of Delegates, today issued the following statement:

In 2009, then-ranking U.S. House Budget Committee Republican Congressman Paul Ryan, in speaking against passage of the Affordable Care Act, stated, ‘I don’t think we should pass bills that we haven’t read and we don’t know what they cost.’ Today, Republicans in the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Paul Ryan, did just that. They passed their latest Obamacare repeal, which many have not read and have no idea of its impact, thereby bringing them one step closer to stripping up to 24 million Americans of insurance coverage.

This bill threatens Americans with pre-existing conditions, will eliminate millions from Medicaid, will boost costs for the poorest Americans and for our hospitals, and will dramatically increase pressures on Virginia’s budget.

My Republican colleagues in the House of Delegates have consistently argued for repeal; they will now need to explain to their constituents why they stood silent in the face of a measure that will hurt so many and cost so much.”

-David J. Toscano is the Democratic Leader in the Virginia House of Delegates